Desert Dandelion (Malacothrix glabrata)

Malacothrix glabrata is a species of dicotyledonous flowering plant known generally as the smooth desert dandelion or desert dandelion. The species is native to the western United States, excluding much of the Pacific Northwest, and into northern Mexico.

M. glabrata is typically 5 to 15 inches (13 to 38 cm) tall with a 1.5-to-2.5-inch (3.8 to 6.4 cm) flower head. Its fragrant, daisy-like flowers are in shades of yellow or white, and undeveloped flowers have a red “button” in the center of the flower head.

About the author

Jim Mattern

Jim is a scapegoat for the NPS, an author, adventurer, photographer, radio personality, guide, and location scout. His interests lie in Native American and cultural sites, ghost towns, mines, and natural wonders in the American Deserts.